Montgomery Ward’s Holiday Hero

In 1939 Robert L. May, a copywriter at the department store Montgomery Ward, was given an important mission—come up with something new for their Christmas giveaway. Instead of the usual coloring books, May decided to create a story about an adorable little reindeer named Rudolph, whose bright red nose made him a bit of an outcast. But when Christmas was in peril due to a thick fog, it was Rudolph’s glowing nose that saved the day! Montgomery Ward gave out 2.4 million copies of this story that holiday season, and just like that, Rudolph's star began to rise.

From Storybook to Song

Jump ahead to 1949—May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, sees potential for something even bigger. Marks, a talented songwriter known for crafting holiday hits, decided to adapt Rudolph’s story into a song. He wrote "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and got Gene Autry, the famous "Singing Cowboy," to record it. The result? A smash hit that sold over two million copies in its first year. Rudolph wasn’t just leading Santa’s sleigh—he was leading the holiday charts!

Rudolph Takes Over Christmas

Once the song took off, Rudolph quickly became a Christmas sensation. He made the leap from the radio to TV screens in 1964 with the beloved stop-motion animated special that still airs every year. Suddenly, everyone knew Rudolph’s story—and he became as much a part of Christmas as jingle bells and hot cocoa!

A Story of Strength and Acceptance

Rudolph’s story is more than just a cute holiday tale—it’s a powerful reminder of embracing what makes you unique. Despite being different (and teased for it), Rudolph’s glowing red nose becomes his greatest strength. The story and song remind us that sometimes, the very things that set us apart are what make us truly special.